Patrice Lumumba

Research Paper # 95961

Ethnic Studies > Africa
History > African
History > Leaders

Patrice Lumumba

A discussion on the rise and fall of charismatic leader Patrice Lumumba.

1,881 words () | 4 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Patrice Lumumba, born in July 1925, who had a significant impact on Congolese independence and was the first elected Prime Minister of the newly independent nation of Congo. The paper looks at Lumumba's role in the liberation of the Congo from Belgian colonization. Additionally, the paper highlights the controversy surrounding Lumumba and his death.

From the Paper:

"Lumumba was known for his brutal honesty. This ultimately would lead him to his rapid downfall. The infamous speech that he delivered at the official Congo Independence Day Ceremony on June 30 1960 proved to be a major catalyst for his demise. The speech contained inflammatory language that angered Belgian officials including the King himself. "Lumumba's determination was inflexible. No one on Earth could have stopped him that day from making his speech at that solemn session when independence was proclaimed" (Kanza 154). Lumumba felt he was not being treated as the Prime Minister of a nation should be treated by the Belgians. This enraged him, and when it came time for his speech, Lumumba refused to hold back his true feelings. The Belgian government officials would find that they had underestimated Lumumba's courage and determination."

Sample of Sources Used:

Gondola, Ch. Didier. The History of Congo. Wesport: Greenwood Press, 2002.
Kanza, Thomas R. The Rise and Fall of Patrice Lumumba: Conflict in the Congo. Boston: G.K. Hall, 1979.
"Mrs. Lumumba Speaks." New African. Issue 406. IC Publications Ltd, 2002. Pg. 20-24.
Misser, Francois. "Lumumba: Belgian Report a Whitewash". New African. Issue 403. IC Publications Ltd, 2002. Pg. 32-33.